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Thursday, July 31, 2008

A lot of effort is put into developing and marketing skin care products for the face. The rest of your body gets a little exfoliation, some body wash, and lotion- all of which are generally looked upon as an indulgence. Sonya Dakar has taken the same innovative, scientific concepts that have been staples in her acclaimed skin care line and applied them to a line of body products. She feels that the rest of your body should be given the same consideration as your face - and after using her body line for the past 3 weeks, I couldn't agree more!

Body by Sonya Dakar comes in two scents, both of which are refreshing and unique: Verbena Cypress has citrus undertones (close to but lighter than Bath & Body Works' Coconut Lime Verbena), while Cara Cara has a musky orange-peel scent. I chose Cara Cara because it reminded me of my Jamaican honeymoon.

Omega Hydrator - a rich, though light to the touch, moisturizing cream that feels amazing on it's own or when applied after the body oil.

What I love about this system is that each product works wonderfully on its own - I don't always feel like exfoliating in the shower, or I don't always need the added moisture of the body oil. And that's fine. But I've never had a more spa-like experience at home than when I use each product in succession. The scents, the essential oils and vitamins - it's made my skin positively radiant. The texture is more even, I have fewer bump and rough patches. In short, the skin on my body feels as nourished and cared for as the skin on my face. I agree with Sonya- that's exactly the way it should be!

I know it's such an American cliche' to find an English accent charming, but just try to tell me that "Smart Tops" doesn't sound much cooler than "Work Tops." Just try.

While browsing Evans of London this morning, I came across these cute work options:The tie-neck detail is going to come into play this fall, as menwear inspired styles will be everywere. Somehow, this version comes across as more playful than Working Girl. I think that's due to the relaxed washed cotton material, soft mandarin neckline and eyelet detail across the shoulders. Also available in black, up to size 30/32.

How very sexy secretary is this graphic flower print top? Can't you just see it over a kicky black skirt and bright red heels, hugging every curve? I'd probably feel compelled to make sure I had my Spanx on. The square neckline and puffed sleeves are such a nice, sweet contradiction to the va-va-voom shape that belt (included with shirt) creates. Available up to size 30 (32 is sold out). This short-sleeved lace coverup has a very 1950's boudoir feel to it. I could see Doris Day slipping it on over a slinky nightgown as she applies lipstick at her vanity table. I could also see myself slipping it on over a plain tee in almost any color, pairing it with jeans, heels, and some delicate gold jewelry for casual Friday.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Usually the term "applique" makes me shudder and recall a dark period in my life when I worked in an office, changing copy toner and filing HR documents, where applique was de' rigeur. Applique sweatshirts, t-shirts, leggings... shudder. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Eddie Bauer Autumn Applique Cardigan and did not want to throw up.

Now, I'd love to show you a picture of the cardigan, but Eddie has made it virtually impossible to do so. You'll have to click on the link above to check it out. As long as you wear this sweater kind of tongue-in-cheek and not it-goes-with-my-applique-Halloween-sweatshirt, this could be very fun. I'm envisioning it with a dark denim pencil skirt and slouchy suede boots. Or light wash jeans and leather sandals. Don't get me wrong - applique is still pretty universally scary. But a Bombshell is always open to surprises. Surprise!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

I know that Hollywood Fashion Tape is not new to the scene. It's been around. But for some reason, I've always thought it was kind of stupid. Taping your clothes together? Or taping them to yourself? No thanks. That was before I wore my spontaneously gaping top to work today.

The button-down shirt fit fine when I got dressed. Everything buttoned and lay flat as it should. Until about 10:30 when, for no apparent reason, the fabric rebelled and started pulling apart at my bra. A co-worker who was probably a Girl Scout in another lifetime appeared with the Hollywood Fashion Tape. I applied the clear, double-sided tape along the fabric underneath the shirts buttons and then pressed them together. Stuck like a dream. Over-exposure averted. I was beyond impressed. I was also no longer self-conciously tugging at my top. So I was wrong. It's not stupid. It's just as amazing as everyone else has always said it was.

Monday, July 28, 2008

I think this is cute. Plaid is a fall fashion staple, and I always look forward to its return.

Ok, I don't think Torrid has styled the plaid tube top to it's best advantage. But I think this is a cute top that would look great underneath a black fitted blazer. The blazer would cut down on some of the campiness that Torrid's representation has going on; it would also create some definition at the waist, which this top is seriously lacking.

I work in a creative environment and could see myself wearing this underneath a business suit. Or I'd wear the top with the aforementioned blazer, jeans, and black patent leather heels for a night downtown. The possibilities here are somewhat endless - I'm heading to my family's lake home in a couple weeks and could also see this tossed on over my swimsuit and a pair of shorts.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Hands down, the Goddess pose. Aside from being fun (who knew yoga incorporated jazz hands?), the name alone is enough to make it tops in my book. And you know what? I even feel kind of goddess-ey while doing it. No, this is not me doing yoga. It's an illustrative photo that I found on Fit Sugar. Doesn't that look like fun? I'm relatively new to yoga, but am really enjoying it so far. It's the first fitness endeavor I've taken on that's yielded noticeable results immediately. I can feel an improvement in my flexibility over the course of a single class. So that's highly motivational. But you know...I could really use some cute yoga outfits. I think the right clothes could really help improve my balance. And flexibility. And overall well-being.

Danskin Plus Cotton Bootleg Lycra Pant - comfortable and versatile enough that I could meet up with friends for a post-workout cup of coffee (ok fine, glass of wine) without feeling all gym-sey.

I like these roll-top waist Yoga Capris from Junonia. They come in black, white, and ice blue too. It'd be really easy to suddenly find yourself wearing these 24/7, though. They should come with a caution label.

When it comes to yoga tops, I like mine to be a little fitted. Otherwise, mine flips upside down and over my head every time I try a downward dog. Not cool. This cuffed t-shirt from Old Navy, on the other hand, is super cool. It comes in a variety of great colors, too. Old Navy's basic ribbed tanks are also great for working out. They're long enough that you won't be self-conciously pulling the tank down over your hips, and light enough to layer a couple for maximum cuteness.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

I was chatting with a friend the other day - she's a well dressed, perfectly groomed woman who swears like a sailor - about our pedicures. Mine could have used some work (which I was all over) and hers was gleaming and gorgeous. Until she turned around to walk away from me - her heels were a mess! All dry and cracked and crazy. With a knot in my stomach I mentally scanned back to think about the last time I'd looked at my own heels. Waaay too long.

On the way home, I stopped at Trade Secret and stocked up on pedicure essentials including a big bottle of Essie's Pomegranate- Mango Smoothie lotion. The formula is perfect for hydrating feet in the summer because it's not thick and gloppy. Have you ever slathered your feet in shea butter lotion and then jumped into a pair of sandals? Slip-city, you're asking for a wipeout!

The scents are all refreshing and tropical, but don't linger. I think they're all winners, but gravitate towards pomegranate-mango or lemon-guava. For anyone with fragrance issues, the formula is available fragrance-free.

You can buy Essie Smoothies anywhere Essie products are sold, like Trade Secret and Ulta.

Stock up on swim suits and coverups over at Old Navy. Right now, their inventory is up to 50% off. Not all of it's half off, but a discount is a discount, right?

Some Bombshells might say, 'Great! I can get a suit and save some cash." But this Bombshell says, "Great! I can get two suits for the price of one...and should probably pick up at least one more since this is such a sweet deal!" Click here to start shopping. Photo credit: OldNavy.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Let me start this post off by telling you that I like pretty packaging. I like metal and plastic and compacts and little brushes and novel dispensers. (Anyone "green" is going to cringe at this last one:) I don't like cardboard. For these reasons I have completely avoided TheBalm's products.

Yeah, yeah, every beauty editor went nuts for BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer and Staniac. But I could not get past the cardboard compacts of eyeshadow and blush, nor the fact that TheBalm display is always a mess at my local Sephora. That display became my nemesis. Every time I walked into Sephora, I felt as though it had moved a few inches closer to the door. It taunted me. "TheBalm is awesome and you're missing out," it said. "Housed in the chintzy-looking cardboard compacts are the best, most flattering eyeshadows ever."

Finally, I snagged a handful of makeup brushes from Sephora's stash, marched over to TheBalm's display and attacked it with a fervor typically reserved for 2 for 1 Night at my local wine shop. You will be completely unsurprised to learn that I love this line.

The Shady Lady shadows come in a range of fun, but ultra wearable shades. My favorites are Risque Renee (a dark navy blue with a hint of sheen) and Kinky Katie (a matte beige that made my eyes look brighter). I also love Hot Mama, a peachy pink powder that made my cheeks and complexion look fresh and happy. And yes, Staniac in Beauty Queen is an improvement upon Benetint thanks to it's doe foot applicator. Benetint's stiff little brush has never done it for me.

I'm trying reeeaaaally hard to stay in the moment and focus on summer. It's still summer - we're not even through July. I know. And yet...I yearn for fall. Today I blame Avenue for making me skim past summer styles in favor of fall fashion. How cute is this pintucked faux-layered tunic? As someone who breaks a sweat faster than...well, faster than a lady should admit to, I love the faux-layered concept. Because this girl could not actually walk around in a long sleeved shirt with a sweater over it. Ever. This top has a really great Pride and Prejudice vibe about it that feels right to me.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I came across makeup artist Amy "Ask Me Makeup" on YouTube; she's made a series of how-to videos that are fun, professional, and taught me a thing or two.

The looks that Amy creates are rooted in capturing the essence of period looks (think Audrey Hepburn a'la Breakfast at Tiffany's, and classic Bombshell looks) with a modern sensibility. Very wearable retro vintage She's launched her own site, AskMeMakeup.com, that features a diary, tutorials, a picture gallery, and the ability to ask her questions. This is definitely my latest online addiction!

I was checking out the new clothes over at Missphit this morning and learned that the company is sponsoring a modeling contest. There are a few prizes up for grabs, including a $200 shopping spree at Missphit. The grand prize is the opportunity to become a model for the company. Pretty fun.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is going on right now, and it is not to be missed. Head to the store or shop online between now and August 4th. Click here to shop now - I just can't even tell you how good these prices are. Must see for yourself.

After a weekend of sleeping in a tent, huddling around a campfire for warmth throughout a cold, rainy Saturday, not showering, not a bath product in sight, I need to regain my beauty-rific equillibrium with some kind of splurge. A fall splurge because you know what? Based on the ratio of bug bites to my skin, I am so over summer. Give me jeans and sweaters and suede boots and mauve lipstick.

Friday, July 18, 2008

By the time you read this post I'll be off to Luck, Wisconsin for a weekend of psuedo-camping. It's not quite full-on camping because, while I am sleeping in a tent, I have access to a cabin that features a really nice bathroom and a shower. My husband and I will be toasting marshmallows by a campfire, eating boxes of Cheez-its (not sure why; it's just a tradition that I don't question), and swapping out morning coffee for bottles of Summer Shandy. While I'm no diva who puts on a full face of makeup before emerging from the tent, I am taking along two new go-to products that take up zero room in the duffel bag and multitask their way to a fresh, pretty look (cause, you know - there will be cameras at the campsite!).

I swear to all things beautiful that Global Goddess is the best beauty brand that you probably don't know about. It's not backed by a huge power house (*cough* Estee Lauder), so it's not as visible. But I'm telling you, every single product I've ever tried from GG is unique and fantastic. I love the Moroccan Lip Veils because they feel smooth and luscious on the lips, feature the very slightest fruity/sweet taste, last a good while, and leave my lips feeling hydrated. I like the second shade from the left - Sandstorm - which is a barely-there pink.

Goddess Glow South Pacific Shimmer has replaced my long-standing favorite bronzer from Bobbi Brown. The compact is comprised of a trio of natural-looking bronze shades that, when swirled together, create a light glow. You won't look like your forehead is dirty with this one- it's practically impossible to apply too much of this stuff. The powder does have a bit of shimmer to it, but you can wipe it away with a loose brush. I like the added sheen for nighttime, though. I also like to use his compact as eye shadow, choosing the center color as an all-over eye shade.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The majority of my eye shadows are of the Bobbi Brown-safe-neutral type. I have a couple of darker shades that I use to create a night time look, but I've been thinking lately that I need to expand my collection to include a few more fun shades. I got my Ulta circular this week and found exactly what I didn't know I wanted:The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Ammo Shadow Box contains 10 of Urban Decay's all time best selling shadows:

Smog - bronzey brown

Mildew - shimmery olive green

Oil Slick- shimmery black

Last Call - Shimmery raspberry

Chopper - shimmery sand

Maui Wowie - shimmery bone

Shattered - shimmery turquoise

Polyester bride - white

Grifter - shimmery lavendar

Sin - shimmery wheat

This palette of colors will layer over my everyday shades, allowing me to have a little more fun with and change up my look. As a bonus, the palette comes with a full-size bottle of Shadow Primer Potion (which I love!), for just $39. You can also snag this deal online at Sephora, but if you want it now you'll have to head to Ulta.

Chloe Dao is my absolute favorite Project Runway designer (Season 2). I thought her creations were beautiful and artistic without sacrificing their wearability. Her clothes are available at Lot 8, her Houston-based boutique. She has plans to expand her boutique to New York and L.A., which is great for the coasts. Not so much for the rest of us. QVC to the rescue! (Did I really just say that?)

I know that my friend Stephanie is ready to stage a QVC intervention, but the home shopping channel carries the Simply. Chloe Dao line. And I was ecstatic to find that the clothes are available up to size 3XL (size 26/28). Regular QVC prices for Chloe's collection are a little bit less than retail; and for some reason the prices are slashed even further right now (probably getting ready for the fall collection). In any case, you'll find beautiful tops, dresses and bottoms (including a great pair of jeans) for $25-70 or so. Here's a look at a few of my favorites:

I know the ruffled placket on this stretch tunic won't be for everyone; it's a little more fashioney than a lot of women would wear day to day. But I like the shape, including the little self-belt. I could actually see myself pairing this with a pair of elegant trousers, diamond studs and gold bangle bracelts, and black patent leather heels for a formal night out. Also available in navy blue.

This kimono-sleeve top looks very basic at first glance, but it's got a couple of really stylish (but subtle) details that I love. For one, the scoop neckline lets you show some skin without really showing skin. You have the option of adjusting the attached belt, so you can really cinch it in for an obvious empire waist or leave it slack for just a little definition. I can see myself tossing this on over faded jeans and leather sandals to meet friends for dinner. Available in green, pink and navy. Every Bombshell needs a flirty black skirt. I like this one because it's a great length (hemmable if you're petite!), with a slim silhouette through the hips and thighs that incorporates plenty of movement at the hemline. Available up to size 24.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

I was watching QVC this morning while getting ready for work (we have basic cable, ok?), and Laura Geller was on with her line of baked makeup. I have to admit that Laura kind of freaks me out - she's just a little too "I'm an expert! My products are revolutionary!" for me. But I had some time to kill and found myself over on her web site. The site itself could use a makeover (maybe swiping it with the Laura Geller Balance and Brighten compact would help), but I was surprised to find a gift registry option. A makeup gift registry??

I've seen a lot of sites that give you the option of creating a wish list for yourself. But this is the first time I've seen one that allows you to create a gift registry that other people can shop from for you. I'm interested enough to head over to Sephora to test out Laura Geller's products for myself...even though I still think she's annoying. Although maybe she really is revolutionizing makeup with this registry idea.

You can save 25% on your entire order at B and Lu today. This is a great deal because B&L's clothes are already very reasonably priced, especially for the unique style that they offer. If you need some help deciding what to get, I recommend:Instead of schlepping to and from yoga in an oversized sweatshirt, zip on this fitted sweatshirt jacket.

Add a layer without adding bulk with this green and teal diamond pattern cardigan. The sleeves are longer than the usual short sleeve, which is nice if you're looking for a little extra coverage.

Thanks to the anchoring black band at the bottom of this floaty tunic, you'll look a million feet tall if you wear it with long black pants.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

One of the Bombshell readers recently asked me to recommend a product that would enable her to wear a cute dress I'd written about. Like most women size 14+, her thighs rub together whenever she wears skirts or dresses, resulting in irritating (if not downright painful!) chafing. As a regular dress-wearer, I've got just the thing:

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel is easy to apply - just squeeze a small amount of gel onto fingertips and rub onto skin. The gel dries quickly, drying down to what feels like a silky smooth barrier over the sensitive skin on your thighs. There's no really discernable fragrance, and it's non-irritating. This means you can apply it to skin that is already chafed just as effectively as to prevent chafing. I've found it to be long lasting- up to 8 hours or so.

In a pinch, I've also used stick deodorant (gel doesn't work well) - swiping it over my thighs. It doesn't last as long as the Monistat product, but does the job pretty well.

If you're someone who shies away from skirts and dresses thanks to chafing issues, this product just might expand your wardrobe while decreasing discomfort. You can buy it at most drugstores, and online at drugstore.com.

For as much interest as there is in clothing and style and fashion (all completely different things, by the way), you have to recognize the fact that a shirt is a shirt and pants are pants. What sets one shirt apart from another? What sets you and your style apart from another? The Angelina low-cut blouse from Kiyonna is a pretty basic black top. Polyester/spandex knit, plunging neckline. I'm sure you've got a top like this already in your closet. What would it look like with the addition of a sparkly something attached at the most flattering focal point, like this one? The addition of a sparkly pin right in between the breasts creates

a visual focal point, which can be adjusted to create curves and shape to the body

subtle sex appeal; it looks like the top is being held together by one very delicate little pin...

a dash of style

Give this a thought as you scour your closet, trying to find something to wear. What do you already have, and how could you amp up the style factor by adding a special detail:

a brightly colored scarf to the handle of your everyday black bag

a pair of diamond studs to the back of your updo

pull your bangs to the side with a small barette

a belt over that just-a-little-too-big tunic (or a piece of ribbon in a pinch!)

When thinking about making additions to your wardrobe, don't always immediately go for new articles of clothing. Think about what you can add to those pieces you already know and love in order to make them feel new and special.

Monday, July 14, 2008

It's the Pinstripe Denim Trouser from Lane Bryant. The shape is fantastic and would look great at the office or at happy hour afterward. I love the subtle pinstripe, which adds interest and a bit of personality to a pair of basic trousers. Oh and your legs? Will look a mile long. The high waist will work wonders at keeping any sort of tummy tucked in and away. With my flat bottom, I do wish the pants had back pockets. But that's just me.

Oh, and look:

Turn the ensemble into a matching suit with the pinstripe denim jacket. Actually, don't. It's not that flattering, whatwith the mumsy rounded collar, oddly short length (which will certainly bisect most Bombshells at their most vulnerable spot), and awkward sleeves. The proportion is kind of weird. But hey - those pants are great!

While cruising the aisles of Ulta a couple weeks ago, I came upon a table of clearance-priced gift packs. Unable to resist a deal, I started poking through them and came up with a product (on sale, half price!) that I'd never heard of: Bain de Terre'sSugar & Fig Scalp Massage Scrub.

Bain de Terre hangs it's hat on the concept of botaniceuticals. I'm not exactly sure what that means; sounds like they're going all Clinique on us and are trying to make their products sound like a combination of beauty and medicine. In any case, their site explains that the ingredients used in the Bain de Terre line are based on ethically harvested, pesticide-free botanicals like black currant, goji berry, and fig.

I was excited about the Sugar & Fig Scalp Massage Scrub because it makes complete sense to me that my scalp would benefit from some exfoliation. Just thinking about all the dead skin cells that probably line my scalp, as well as all that product build up, had me running for the shower. The scalp massage smelled wonderful - fresh and clean, with a fruity note. Not nearly as sweet as I was expecting. It was very thick without feeling gritty. I squeezed the entire tube onto my hands and rubbed them together. Then I began to massage my fingertips onto my scalp.

It took a good two minutes of working the scrub through my hair for it to penetrate through to my scalp. It felt incredibly luxurious and decadent. It washed clean out of my hair, leaving no residue. I shampooed and conditioned as normal afterward, and then styled. My hair felt light and bouncy - like I'd had a deep conditioning treatment.

I'll admit to wondering whether I really needed a special exfoliator for my head - couldn't I just use the same one that exfoliates the rest of my body? I gave it a whirl (using The Thymes foaming body scrub), and ran into a few issues. Namely, the body scrub did not rinse clean out of my hair. Oops. Lesson learned. At $18 for a box of 4 tubes, I'll treat my scalp to Bain de Terre's scalp massage scrub every few weeks.

While reading through the comments that you guys leave me, I've been introduced to some really fantastic blogs and sites. I know what it's like to enter the blogosphere, wondering if anyone will ever find you. Will people read what I write? Do I want people to read what I write? (For me, yes!) I've been fortunate enough to have been picked up by a few other bloggers who have shared me with their readers...and so the cycle goes.

If you write a blog or a site that you'd like to let the Bombshell readers know about, send me an email at BombshellBeautyBlog@gmail.com with a link. I'll put together a post on July 24th highlighting those blogs.* It'll be a win-win all around; those of you who write will get some exposure, and those of us who read will get some fun new sites to peruse when we should be working or doing laundry or something.

* I'll use personal discretion in which blogs I share (i.e. if your site is all about how much you love to kick puppies or something, I won't be sharing the love).

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Thank you to everyone who shared their makeup bag must-haves; I got some great ideas for products that I might need to give some space to in my own makeup bag (which has grown to the size of a small backpack...). Alas, there can only be three winners in this giveaway and they are:

Michele P, who can't live without her NYC moisturizing lipstick in a light pink shade.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Nothing beats summer vacation; wherever you go, whatever you do, there's a sense of freedom and adventure that you just can't replicate in the middle of winter. I used to pack every article of clothing in my closet, every shoe, every lipgloss "just in case." I did that until I lost my luggage and decided that I'd never check a bag again. Since then I've become a pro at packing only the essentials, even managing a weeklong vacation in Jamaica with one carry- on bag. Here's what I don't leave home without:

A transitionable black dress is a no-brainer - pick one that you can toss on over your swimsuit on the beach, and then add heels and some jewelry to for dinner at night. I like this cotton scoop-neck sundress from Lane Bryant. Another great fabric to choose is jersey - it can take a beating and look like new after a quick rinse in the bathroom sink.

When I can't bring multiple pairs of jeans and cropped pants, I pack straight-leg jeans. If it gets chilly at night, you can wear them long. For warmer days, roll up the pants for a cute 1950's-esque pair of home-made cropped pants. This pair is by Svoboda, and comes in regular and tall lengths up to size 24. Pack a selection of tanks and tops that you can mix, match and layer over one another. This ruched henley tank from Old Navy would look great paired with jeans and flats for sight-seeing, or with a pair of black pants for going out. I also rely on a couple sets of solid colored ribbed tanks - they can be rolled up in a suitcase and paired with a cardigan and a variety of accessories for maximum mileage. When it comes to packing shoes, I typically wear a pair of skimmers en-route, and pack a pair of sandals. I think metallics are a good choice because they'll go with black, brown, navy, etc. and add a pop of sophistication to any outfit. The Steve Madden Shicago sandal (yes, that's the way it's spelled) is a fun choice.

The tee is pretty popular, and at this point is only available in sizes 1 and 2 (14/16 and 18/20, roughly). But keep checking back. I've also found a few on eBay, so the shirts are out there. 102 days until their concert here in St. Paul!

Today is the last day to participate in the Spinlash giveaway. You have until 11:59 p.m tonight to leave a comment telling me what your makeup bag must-have is. I'll randomly select 3 commenters, who will win their very own Spinlash.

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Who is a Bombshell Beauty?

She's smart and funny, as foxy on the inside as she is on the outside. She's heart and soul and passion. Whatever her size, whatever her age, whatever's going on in her day-to-day life, she's confident in the knowledge that she is Bombshell, through and through.

About Sara

Sara Bartlett is a longtime blogger representing the plus size community. She's the author of several eBooks and can be seen regularly on Twin Cities Live dispensing beauty advice to fellow Minnesotans.
Email questions, comments or Advertising/PR inquries to Sara@sarabartlett.net.

Disclosure

All reviews are based upon my own personal experience with a product and reflect my own personal opinion. Your experience with a product may differ. Although some products reviewed might be provided to me by PR companies, I'm not paid for any of the reviews posted. Some links on this blog may be affiliate links.